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Richard Stephen "Coach" Sylvest

Richard Stephen "Coach" Sylvest obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home - Ponchatoula

1190 Highway 51

Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Richard Sylvest Obituary

Richard, age 71, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, November 24, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was a native of Hammond, LA and a resident of Ponchatoula, LA. Richard was well known for his distinguished career as a school administrator for over 24 years, including President of LA Principal's Association. He was a successful and extremely loved basketball coach for over 15 years. Richard would credit his success to his college coach at LA College, Billy Allgood, mentors, Mr. A.J. Bodker at Ponchatoula High School and Mr. James Huhn at Mandeville High School, and his supportive wife, Linda. He took great pride in molding young boys and girls into fine men and women. Richard was an incredible, big hearted, and dedicated man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Sylvest; sons, Christopher Sylvest (Tammy), Andrew Sylvest (Jennifer); mother, Vermelle Sylvest; sister, Paula Gayle Graves; brother, Dennis Bickford; and grandchildren, Mason, Luke, Ben, and Parker. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Richard D. Sylvest; paternal grandparents, Steve and Naomi Sylvest; and maternal grandparents, John and Eva Hoyt. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at 1st Baptist Church of Ponchatoula on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. until the Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m. Dr. David Cranford will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Navy Seal Foundation at www.navysealfoundation.org in honor of Mr. Richard. Condolences and other information are available online at www.thompsoncares.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Nov. 26 to Nov. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Sylvest

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Chris McKeithen

July 30, 2017

What a great guy and principal. Even though, I was only at Mandeville Jr. High for one year before going to the new jr. high, Mr. Sylvest was a great educator. My condolences to the family.

Ed Barnes

January 24, 2017

Big man with a big heart. I've thought of you often and miss you my friend. I will cherish the time we had together and am very thankful our paths crossed in life. Until we meet again Gentle Giant!

Susan Fink

December 14, 2016

My condolences to Linda and their family. Dick was a fun loving man and touched many lives. May God bring peace and comfort to his family.

O'Neil Carriere

December 12, 2016

Meant a lot to me. God Bless and wishes of comfort to the family.

Bill Dobson

December 4, 2016

Dick was a great guy and a wonderful educator. He could make a friend out of anyone he meant. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

December 3, 2016

I will never forget Dickie. He took me under his wings my freshmen year at Louisiana College. There were many days he gave me council on how to be a college basketball player. His suggestions were right on. I will miss his warm smile and friendship.
May You Rest in Eternal Peace. Your friend.
Frank W. Schneider

Lori Bishop

December 2, 2016

Wishing your family, peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Coach will be missed.

FTD Natural Wonders Bouquet

tricia reed

Sent Flowers

November 30, 2016

Will never forget Coach Sylvest. Great guy! So sorry for your loss.
Brenda Cassels (PHS Class of 77)

Nancy Johansen

November 30, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to Linda and family. Joy Huhn Hobart and Nancy Huhn Johansen

Rachel (Morvant) Turner

November 30, 2016

I fondly remember Coach Sylvest as one of the kindest, most caring educators from my childhood (he was my principle at Mandeville Junior High). He was one of the guys that truly made a difference in so many peoples lives. My deepest condolences to the family.

Reece Family

November 29, 2016

Our thoughts and love are with you all.

Natalie Essaied

November 29, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family. A great man is with our Hevenly Father. Coach S will never be forgotten for he IS the roots to our community. He gave his heart and soul to the families of Mandeville and has changed countless lives. He will always be my hero for he allowed me to see what I couldn't. He believed in me and for that I am an FOREVER changed; Not only as his student, but as a boss and mentor. Never underestimate the power of our Lord for he brought this man into our lives. Rest my friend. Smile and laugh for you did your job, you changed lives for the better. I thank you for being in my life and countless others.

Forever
Your Goober

Sheila Wynn

November 29, 2016

I'll always remember his smile....He was so good with the students and I admire that. My deepest condolences....

Rebel Abney Judge

November 29, 2016

My thoughts and prayers to the Sylvest family. Coach Sylvest is a teacher that I so fondly remember from my time at Mandeville High School so many years ago. He was larger than life and made a difference in my education.

Jessica Mason

November 29, 2016

Prayers for the family in this difficult time. He was an amazing man. Great principle and life coach.

Erin McElroy

November 29, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was one of the most amazing people I've ever met. Mr. Sylvest was the greatest principal with the most love to give every child he was around. I had the honor of knowing him as a family friend as well. The world has lost someone so incredible precious to us all. Soar high my friend. Your words of wisdom and love shine thru us all and you'll always be with each of us.

Rebecca Strole

November 29, 2016

My thoughts and prayers to the Sylvest family. I have fond memories of Coach Sylvest at MHS. A funny, genuine person who always had time for students. Heaven has gained a great mentor and true friend.

Naomi

November 28, 2016

My sincerest condolences to the family. May the strength and peace that only God can give comfort you during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home - Ponchatoula

1190 Highway 51, Ponchatoula, LA 70454

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